Surface characterization and degradation behavior of polyimide films induced by coupling irradiation treatment

The degradation behavior of polyimide in extreme environments, especially under coupling treatment, directly determines the service life of several key components in spacecraft. In this research, the combined effect of a high energy electron beam (1.2 MeV), heavy tensile stress (50 MPa) and constant high temperature (150 °C) was taken into account to study the surface modification and degradation behavior of polyimide films. By analyzing surface morphology, microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of polyimide films after coupling treatment, the results indicated that the coupling treatment led to severe breakage of chemical bonds and decrease of surface quality. Meanwhile, new chemical bonds of C–C, CH2–O and CN formed after coupling treatment. Additionally, a high dose of electron beam during coupling experiments contributed to the formation of an oxide layer, surface defects and even volatile gases in the outer layer of the polyimide film. This was attributed to the significant scissioning of molecular chains in polyimide films and corresponding chemical reactions between free radicals and oxygen in air. Consequently, the irradiation-load-heating coupling treatment led to a remarkable drop in viscoelastic properties and mechanical performance of polyimide films.